Content

This unit aims to develop in students an understanding of the place of practical activities in school science and strategies the effective use of a wide range of resources in the contemporary science curriculum.

The topics to be addressed in this unit include: Productive use of excursions and incursions in science, laboratory management policies and procedures, legal responsibilities of the science teacher; preparation and storage of laboratory chemicals and biological materials; ways of using community science resources including local industry and government agencies; field work in science; using web based resources; strategies for the effective preparation and presentation of teachers' demonstrations; strategies for the effective use of a range of equipment, including learning technologies such as data-logging, computers and graphic calculators: strategies for the effective preparation and management of laboratory activities undertaken by students; formative and summative assessment of practical activities; and research related to the effective use of practical activities in science learning.

The unit assumes a basic level of competence in the use of learning technologies and will require the student to engage in regular electronic conferences and other web-based learning activities.

Assessment

Teacher Demonstration: The presentation and discussion of a teacher demonstration as well as a written summary of the demonstration, 1000 words, 25%

Research Assignment: Research assignment that discusses the benefits and difficulties in undertaking excursions and provide details of a viable excursion experience that is embedded in a particular science curriculum, 2000 words, 35%

Electronic Portfolio: This involves a collection of science teaching resources with a written rationale for their use in a contemporary science classroom, 2000 words, 40%